The last remaining obstacle preventing the Barroso Commission from properly starting its term of office is now out of the way. That much is clear after the European Parliament's legal service on 24 November stated that Barrot cannot be blamed of any misconduct for not having disclosed a conviction. In 2000 he had been given an amnesty by the French authorities.
European Parliament President Josep Borrell said: "This opinion confirms that legally nothing can be held against Mr Barrot".
The ALDE liberal group had demanded consequences for Barrot, whereas the socialist group had agreed to drop the matter if Barrot was cleared by the European Parliament's legal service.
